How fast does a shih tzu run

Even though they look very fast from a distance, the average running speed of Shih Tzu is between 6 mph and 8 mph. But knowing how fast or slow your Shih Tzu is, you would be able to choose the right activities for your dog without tiring him out too much or putting him at risk of health issues.

The running speed of the Shih Tzu will depend on their age and health condition. Older Shih Tzu dogs may have less spring on their steps and may run around less. And running with them before their growth plates have fully formed can cause long term damage to his joints and bones. But all is not lost. There is a way you can go jogging with your Shih Tzu, and still get a good work out for yourself.

Okay you now know some of the reasons why a Shih Tzu may not be the greatest jogging companion. But there is a way you can take him on your workout while keeping him close by and safe and sound.

Have you ever seen parents jogging while pushing their toddler in a stroller? A pet stroller is basically the same thing. Although to some of us pet parents, our dogs are our children.

This way you can get a complete workout in without having to stop every few minutes to wait for your little buddy to catch up. Or let him run next to you for a little while and when he gets tired, put him in the stroller, then continue on with your work out. You may feel a little funny using a pet stroller for your dog at first, but it does have other advantages too.

If jogging with a Shih Tzu is beginning to sound like too much work, there are always other activities you can do with them. Jogging can be a little too strenuous for this toy breed. Yet, they do still need to get exercise to keep the healthy. This is a great activity. Not only will he be getting some daily heart healthy exercise, he will love it because he thinks its a game. Shih Tzu like to chase their toys, or a ball.

This is one the of easiest ways to exercise with your Shih Tzu. You can do it pretty much anywhere, and it is very low impact. Shih Tzu can do well hiking a couple miles through the woods, as long as they stay well hydrated and take breaks as needed. If your Shih Tzu likes water , this is a fun activity. And if your dog has some arthritis in his legs, it's an excellent low impact exercise. But, you will need to keep a very watchful eye on him. This is especially true is he is in a full coat, it can easily get waterlogged and pull him under the water and drown.

Each day, work on increasing the distance. Once your Shih Tzu catches on, you can slowly phase out the treats and just use praise. Always end the game when your Shih Tzu is still interested , as opposed to when they are tired or bored of it.

This way, they will be more prone to wanting to play again. Though outdoor exercise certainly has its advantages, indoor exercise does have its place, such as when it's pouring or heavily snowing. This should not be the main method of keeping your Shih Tzu active, but rather as an alternative when circumstances dictate a day indoors. One of the best and easiest games to play inside is fetch. It's a classic game for a reason. Most dogs love chasing after things, and all you need is a fun and safe indoor toy like the Chuckit!

Indoor Ball for Small Dogs. This can be played down a hallway or in just about any room obviously, the larger the better and if it's not a hassle, try moving some furniture out of the way. Time the session. Sometimes 5 minutes can seem like 20, or vice-versa, so it's best to time it.

Your level of enthusiasm can play a big role. If a toy is halfheartedly thrown and you're not showing any real joy when it's returned, your Shih Tzu may not last long.

Act excited and your little guy or gal may start to mimic you. Do you have your book? This is our newest book and is the most comprehensive book of its kind. Are you a site member? Stay up-to-date. Become a free site member , to start receiving our newsletters and to be able to submit photos.

You may also like:. See what to expect both when a Shih Tzu is sleeping and when awake. Shih Tzu Allergies - Tips and advice when a Shih Tzu has allergies; includes food, airborne and contact triggers. Giving a Shih Tzu a Bath - The technique you use and the products you apply to the coat will make a big difference into both skin and coat health and how your Shih Tzu tolerates baths.

Yorkie Exercise. Privacy Policy. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Due to the way their faces and respiratory systems are shaped, they can become exhausted and overheated quickly so a gentle walk around the block twice a day will be better than vigorous exercise.

Working and athletic breeds, like Border Collies, Labradors, Jack Russels, and other breeds that can easily keep up with physical exercise should receive around 30 minutes of vigorous exercise every day, along with at least an hour of gentle activity like walking in order to stay healthy. The age of a dog will also play a part in how active they are able to be. Puppies are generally full of energy so all you have to do is keep up with them and give them lots of opportunities for playtime.

Middle-aged dogs will require more of a set routine based on the above guide, and elderly dogs should still get 30 minutes a day of exercise although they may not be able to be as vigorous as their younger counterparts.

With older dogs, it is important to slow things down as they start to get older but still take them out so they can burn some calories and move their joints around for a better quality of life. Thank you for joining our list!